Belonging and Wellbeing

Since 2019, Cincinnati Country Day School has embraced Singleton's Courageous Conversations model as part of an ongoing professional development initiative for faculty and staff. Courageous Conversations, as defined by Glenn Singleton, is a framework designed to facilitate honest, open dialogue about race and identity in a structured and intentional manner. The approach encourages participants to confront difficult topics related to systemic racism, bias, privilege, and inequities while creating a safe space for vulnerability and growth. The goal is not only to spark meaningful discussions but to foster a deeper understanding of how race influences our perspectives, interactions, and institutions. Key to this model are the "Four Agreements"—stay engaged, expect discomfort, speak your truth, and accept non-closure—designed to guide participants through complex conversations with respect and openness. This method challenges individuals to reflect on their personal experiences, confront biases, and commit to action, ultimately building more inclusive and equitable environments.

These sessions provide a platform for educators to engage in critical dialogue around issues such as bias, belonging, and civil discourse, equipping them with the tools to lead transformative conversations in their classrooms. Each session focuses on timely, relevant topics, such as Civil Discourse, Speak Up to Bias, The Power of Joy in the Classroom, Celebrating Black History, ADL Pyramid of Hate, Our Language Matters, Body Positive Language, and Belonging & Disordered Cosmos. Through these discussions, participants are encouraged to examine their own assumptions, explore the intersection of race and education, and strengthen their ability to create inclusive spaces where every student feels valued.

By participating in these ongoing sessions, educators at Cincinnati Country Day are not only deepening their cultural competence but also developing the leadership skills necessary to inspire students and foster a learning environment that embraces diversity, equity, and belonging. This commitment reflects the school’s broader goal of shaping leaders.

Many of our faculty and staff members engaged in a thought-provoking book study of Not Light, But Fire by Matthew Kay, a powerful guide on how to facilitate meaningful conversations about race in the classroom. Through this study, teachers explored strategies to create safe, authentic spaces where students can openly discuss difficult topics and develop their critical thinking around race and equity. Kay’s approach equipped educators to lead with courage and care, helping to build more inclusive and understanding classroom environments. This collaborative study reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing empathetic, informed leaders prepared to engage in a diverse and dynamic world.

Our educators joined a book study of Design for Belonging by Susie Wise, which explores the power of intentionally designing spaces and experiences that foster a sense of inclusion and belonging. The book emphasizes that belonging doesn’t just happen; it is something we create through thoughtful design of our environments, interactions, and systems. By studying Wise’s insights, our educators are learning how to cultivate classrooms and school spaces where every student feels valued, seen, and connected.

This book study aligns with Cincinnati Country Day's mission to nurture empathetic, engaged leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to a diverse and dynamic world. Through this exploration, our educators are gaining practical strategies to design learning environments that inspire connection and ensure all students feel they truly belong in our community.

Faculty and staff engaged in an Anti-Bias professional development training led by Kelly Hayden of Equity-Builders and Tommie Lewis of Make it Plain Consulting. This session focused on understanding and addressing implicit biases—subtle, often unconscious prejudices that can influence behavior and decision-making. A crucial element of the training was mirror work, an introspective practice that encourages educators to reflect on their own biases and their impact on interactions with students. By increasing self-awareness through this reflective process, educators are better equipped to create more equitable and inclusive classroom environments. The training helps improve student-teacher relationships, ensure fair treatment, and implement culturally competent practices, leading to enhanced student engagement, a stronger sense of belonging, and improved academic outcomes.

Cincinnati Country Day School is proud to support faculty and staff in participating annually in the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC), hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools. PoCC serves as a vital platform for professional growth and collaboration, offering a supportive space for educators of color and allies to learn from one another. The conference empowers educators to unlock their own potential and, in turn, inspire and elevate the abilities of others, ultimately shaping leaders who will thrive in a dynamic world. By fostering inclusivity and equipping participants with the tools to enhance the multicultural and intercultural climate in their schools, PoCC contributes to stronger academic, social-emotional, and workplace outcomes for both students and educators.

Cincinnati Country Day School is excited to support student participation in the NAIS Student Leadership Diversity Conference (SDLC), a transformative experience for young leaders passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Held in conjunction with the NAIS People of Color Conference, SDLC brings together students from across the country to explore issues of social justice, identity, and leadership. Through workshops, discussions, and activities, students develop the skills and awareness needed to lead with empathy and integrity, empowering them to foster positive change in their school communities and beyond. SDLC helps cultivate the next generation of leaders who are prepared to inspire, connect, and make a meaningful impact in a diverse world.